1. First, you will need to find a great spot to work. For those who have a separate room to use as a home office, that's great. That is the ideal situation. But, if you don't have an entire room to spare, then you can set up in a nook, on a stair landing if it's big enough, in a corner of the living room, or even under a staircase. Try to separate the space using a folding screen or decorative barrier of some kind. Locate your "office" in a place that is as far away from household traffic and distracting activity as possible. Wherever you choose to work, make sure that it is a dedicated spot so that when you are there you (and other household members) will get the message that you are "at work". Extra tip: If you plan to use the area as a tax deduction, it is even more essential that it be dedicated to your work alone. 2 Look for a spot with as much light and ventilation as possible. If there is limited natural light, use ample general and task lighting. A bright place to work is conducive to productivity, in addition to being easier on your eyes and better for your mood. For those who have a darker spot, just painting the wall a lighter color will reflect what light you do have more efficiently. 3. Next, you will need a clear desktop or work surface. Your desktop should have only the essentials including a phone, a fax machine, and a computer. When you are working it's best to have only the project at hand on your desk. That way moving from one thing to another will not be a temptation. 4. Treat yourself to a really comfortable desk chair. You will want to spend more time working and you will feel better at the end of the day if you are sitting in a well-designed office chair. Extra tip: Many areas have stores that sell used office furniture where you might be able to buy a nice leather chair inexpensively. 5. When extra floor space is limited, use the walls to hang cabinets and bookshelves and build up. Use bins and baskets to group items together (i.e. stationary in one box, catalogues in another). Be sure to label each bin so that you don't waste time looking for things. Extra tip: Craft stores have a myriad of labeling choices in the scrap booking department. 6. Manuals or reference materials should be close by, but not on the work surface. You can keep them on the bookshelves above or next to your desk. 7. Any excess computer and electrical cords that are unsightly can be coiled inside a rubber turtle which can be purchased at an office supply store. Data cords and electrical cords should be kept separate from one another. Extra tip: In order to tell which cord is which, attach plastic tabs from bread bags to the cables. They make great markers and can even be labeled! 8. Your CDs can be categorized in a binder and kept on your bookshelf. That way they are all together and at your fingertips when you need them. 9. Color-coded files and large paper fasteners are wonderful for keeping documents and papers organized. Completed projects and archived material should be kept somewhere other than your office, such as the attic or in a closet. 10. Store any extra supplies in a closet or in a bin on your bookshelves, or even in a box under your desk if there is room. Keep only the supplies you use every day inside your desk and use compartmented organizers to keep them neat. Try to remove all irrelevant items (personal bills, brochures, etc.) from the area where you work. 11. Personalizing your home office by hanging framed diplomas or any awards that you might have is a pleasant reminder of what you have accomplished. A vision board can be hung where it is easy for you to see as a daily reminder of what you plan to achieve. It will also help you focus on your goals and keep you on track. While there are pros and cons to having your office in your home, most people find that the good points far outweigh the bad. When you have self-discipline and adequate space to operate your home-based business efficiently you should be on your way to an experience that is both a worthwhile and rewarding.
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Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a spacious, elegant office with lots of windows, a magnificent view, and a secretary who knew where everything was and could hand it to you at a moment's notice? We would all love that. Unfortunately for most of us, it's one or two rooms (if we're lucky) or maybe just a cubby, a loft, or a corner of the living room at home. So, if you have finally made the decision to start your own business, you have to figure out just where you are going to put your office and ...
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